Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I was talking with a friend of mine who is not a follower of Christ. He knows that Jesus died on the cross for his sins. He believes He rose from the grave. He knows that Jesus is the answer to all the junk he is going through. However, he is not ready to make Jesus his LORD (Lord just means boss). He is not ready to make that commitment and is still holding on to his own selfish ways (yes that's what I told him).

He began to tell me that he never wants to do anything half way. He said that in any relationship, (glad he recognizes that we are talking about a relationship with God) in order for the relationship to work, you have to give it all you have. He said that he is not sure he can do that and that he is not sure he can be successful at it. He is afraid that he might mess up and then what? He told me that he was concerned about what might happen if he gave his life to Christ, what would be different and what all the repercussions would be.

So here is the different perspective. I told him he is thinking the wrong way and asking the wrong question. He should be thinking and asking, "What might happen if I don't give my life to Christ?" I love it when God does that, gives me things like that to say. He gets the glory not me.

So What?

When it comes to your commitment to Christ and the way you live your life, don't focus on what you think you are missing out on. Focus on what you gain. God truly wants you to experience His Best in your life. So get up, get going, and get in on His Best right now.

1 Corinthians 2:9NLT That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard,and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

I talked with an old friend last night. I had not spoken with him in quite a while. I knew that he had gone through a lot of junk in his life this past year and I had prayed for him a few times, but I had not called or attempted to see him for months.

So last night I called. Glad I did.

He did not really spill it all out last night. I didn't ask him to. There was no need to really. I just told him I missed him, had been praying for him, and asked him what I could do to help him. He told me a little about what was going on and how he felt. I told him how sorry I was that life was so stinkin' bad for him and hoped that this year would be better. I told him that I genuinely meant it when I said I would help him if he needed it. He assured me that he knew that and appreciated it.

Before I got off the phone I made him a promise. I told him I would do better at keeping in touch. I told him I will continue to pray for him but would also make a better effort at calling and/or trying to have lunch or hang out sometime. Again, he was grateful and we said good bye.

So What?

There are people in our life who need us to make personal contact with them. Don't get so caught up in all the things you have going on that you miss an opportunity to show God's love to someone you love. Make this New Year's Resolution with me. I will do better at staying in touch with people in need.

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4 NLT

Why "So What"

So What is the ultimate question.If, after hearing someone teach or talk to you about anything, especially the Bible, you cannot answer that question, you have wasted your time. We have to be able to apply what we have heard to our life. It's not a disrespectful thing. It's not a selfish thing. It's simply a way to make sure that you are getting the most out of the time you put in to listening and learning.

About Me

Doug Pruitt is the Lead Pastor of Midtowne Church in Benton, Arkansas. Midtowne is a new church that seeks to show God's love to the community in practical ways. Check out the church's web site for more information at http://www.midtownechurch.com.